Cloud Computing with AWS & Azure

Description

Understand cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure

COURSE: Cloud Computing with AWS & Azure

Goal: By the end, you will understand cloud basics, launch your own virtual servers on AWS + Azure free tiers, and pass cloud fundamentals quizzes.

WEEK 1: CLOUD FUNDAMENTALS + AWS BASICS

Lesson 1.1: What is Cloud Computing?

• Topics: What is the cloud, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS. Benefits vs traditional servers. Cloud in Zimbabwe: data costs, job opportunities.
• Practical: Sign up for AWS Free Tier + Azure Free Account. Tour the dashboards.
• Quiz 1:

1. What does “IaaS” stand for? Answer: Infrastructure as a Service
2. Name 1 benefit of cloud over buying your own server. Answer: Pay-as-you-go / No hardware maintenance / Scalable
3. Which 2 companies are the biggest cloud providers? Answer: AWS and Azure

Lesson 1.2: AWS Core Services

• Topics: EC2, S3, IAM. Regions, Free Tier limits.
• Practical: Launch your first EC2 “t2.micro”

Ubuntu server. Connect via browser SSH. Create an S3 bucket and upload a file.

• Assignment: Take a screenshot of your running EC2 instance and post in WhatsApp group.
• Quiz 2:

1. What is EC2 used for? Answer: Virtual servers / computers in the cloud
2. What is S3 used for? Answer: Object storage for files, images, backups
3. What does IAM do? Answer: Manages users, passwords, and permissions

WEEK 2: AZURE BASICS + STORAGE & NETWORKING

Lesson 2.1: Microsoft Azure Core Services

• Topics: Virtual Machines, Blob Storage, Azure Portal. Differences vs AWS.
• Practical: Create an Azure VM “B1s”. Create a Blob Storage container and upload a file. Compare pricing to AWS.
• Practical Online Lab: Use Azure Cloud Shell in browser. No install needed.

Lesson 2.2: Networking & Security in the Cloud

• Topics: VPC vs VNet, Security Groups, Firewalls. Public vs Private IP.
• Practical: Create a Security Group in AWS that only allows port 22. Test by trying to access your EC2.
• Quiz 3:

1. What port does SSH use? Answer: 22
2. What is the Azure version of an S3 bucket? Answer: Blob Storage Container
3. Why use a VPC/VNet? Answer: To create a private network in the cloud

WEEK 3: DEPLOYMENT + AI + CERT PREP

Lesson 3.1: Deploy a Website to the Cloud

• Topics: Host a static website on S3 + on Azure Static Web Apps. Use Cloud for business.
• Practical: Build a 1-page “My Business” site in Canva/HTML and host it for free on S3. Share the public link.

Lesson 3.2: Cloud + AI Tools

• Topics: AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI. How businesses use cloud AI to save money.
• Practical: Use Azure AI Studio free playground to test ChatGPT-like AI. Compare to AWS Bedrock.

MATERIALS NEEDED

1. Smartphone or PC + Internet
2. Gmail for AWS + Microsoft account for Azure
3. WhatsApp for submitting assignments

PRICING FOR DZIMILIskills

$55 for 3 weeks. Includes labs, quizzes, certificate, WhatsApp support.